Col. Daniel R. McDonough is the commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing. He is responsible for maintaining the combat readiness of eight C-130 aircraft and more than 1,240 traditional and full-time Illinois Air National Guardsmen, and ensures that all units fulfill their state and federal missions as directed by the appropriate authorities.
Col. McDonough received a Bachelors of Science degree in aviation administration from Indiana State University. He was mission ready in the OA-37 Dragonfly, F-16 Fighting Falcon and C-130E Hercules. He has deployed six times as a C-130 aircraft commander in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM, as well as four times to command the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in Afghanistan. He has served in a variety of capacities throughout his career at the 182nd Airlift Wing. Currently, he serves as the Air National Guard C-130 Operations Group Commander Council chairman.
Col. McDonough is a command, evaluator pilot with nearly 700 combat and combat support hours and more than 5,400 total flying hours. Prior to his current position, the colonel was the commander of the 182nd Operations Group, 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal

STATE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Illinois Long and Honorable Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Illinois Military Attendance Ribbon with “14” device
Louisiana Emergency Service Medal

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
National Guard Association of the United States
National Guard Association of Illinois

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
1994, Pilot of the Year, Illinois Air National Guard
Chairman, Air National Guard C-130 Operations Group Commander Council
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant May 21, 1987
First Lieutenant July 12, 1989
Captain July 12, 1991
Major April 1, 1997
Lieutenant Colonel April 1, 2004
Colonel Jan. 24, 2014